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THE 25TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (JUNE 18-24)

By
Nkem Okemiri
-
0

In the season of creation, God decreed what He wanted to happen on each day. What He did on each day of creation has become a pattern for our seasons. That is the reason the seventh day is Shabbat.

God made man in His image and likeness so we can do things His way. He wants us to decree that what is revealed in the Bible concerning each season becomes manifest reality in that season. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10).

Let’s begin with what is revealed in the Word concerning the 25th season.

SIX BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 25TH WEEK

There are 6 Biblical patterns that will help give a broader perspective of the season and guide us to understand the Lord’s heart for the 25th week.

Here are the six Biblical patterns:

  1. 1. The narrative of the fourth day of creation.
  2. 2. The 25th book of the Bible
  3. 3. The 25th chapters of the Bible
  4. 4. The narrative of Numbers 18-24
  5. 5. The last 9 books of the Old Testament.
  6. 6. The mention of the 25th year in the Bible.
  7. 1. Week 25 is a fourth day of creation season in the fourth seven weeks of the year. God made luminaries on the fourth day of creation. He made them to give light, to rule the day and the night, to divide the darkness from the light, and to regulate seasons. It is supposed to be a season of the dominion of light. If light fails in the fourth season, darkness takes over. The 25th season is a season to depend on God’s luminaries (the Word, the Spirit and wise men/women) to escape fear, deception, and stumbling.
  8. 2. Week 25 is a Numbers 17-21 season. The five chapters in the 4th division of the fourth book of the Bible are applicable to the fourth week in the fourth 49 days of the year. Aaron’s rod budded and bore ripe almond fruits overnight in Numbers 17 to end contention. Numbers 18 and 19 are about laws surrounding the duties and privileges of priests and laws of purification. Numbers 20 is about the error of Moses at the waters of Meribah. This is where he made the mistake that cost him entering the Promised Land. Miriam and Aaron died in this chapter. The 21st chapter is about the fiery serpents and the defeat of three Canaanite kings. The 25th season is a season of reaction against foolishness and rebellion.
  9. 3. Week 25 is a book of Lamentations season. Every dated or numbered season expresses the book and chapters of the Bible that correspond to its number. The book of Lamentations is the 25th book of the Bible and is applicable to the 25th week of the year. The 25th book of the Bible reveals that the 25th has something to do with number ’22’. The first, second, fourth and fifth chapters have 22 verses each. The third chapter has 66 (22×3) verses. The number 1-22 (signifying comprehensiveness, exhaustiveness, and fulfillment) is the number of the perfect Word of God. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters; and when applied to the word of God, it shows that the Word is complete and comprehensive revelation. Psalm 119 is about God’s Word and has 22 sections subtitled after the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The 25th season is the season of the fulfillment of God’s word. In the first chapter of Lamentations, the author reflects on the condition of Judah and Jerusalem. In the second chapter, he acknowledges their problem came as judgment from the hand of God. In the third chapter, he dwells on his personal burdens. He used “I”, “Me”, and “My” 66 times in this 66-verse chapter. In the fourth chapter, he looks at the nature and weight of the judgment and challenges the people to cry out to God. In the fifth chapter, he calls on God to look on the state of Jerusalem and intervene,
  11. 4. Week 25 is a 25th chapters of the Bible season. The 25th chapters of the Bible reveal that the 25th season is for tests and trials. It is a test bridge-season when men reveal what is in them – wisdom or folly.
  13. 5. Week 25 is Obadiah – Malachi week in the fourth seven weeks of the year. Going through a seven week season is like taking a journey through the Bible. The first four weeks constitute the Old Testament side of the season and express the 39 books of the Old Testament. The last three weeks belongs to the New Testament side of the season and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The 25th week is the fourth week in the fourth seven weeks and expresses the last 9 books of the Old Testament. These 9 books are the bridge to the New Testament. The 25th week is the bridge to the New Testament side of the fourth seven weeks of the year.

6. The 25th week is Ezekiel 40 season. What happened in Ezekiel 40 in a 25th year is applicable to the 25th week. In Ezekiel 40, in a 25th year, God began to give the prophet the vision of New Jerusalem. This week, God will want to give you a vision of your future. Be sensitive and attentive. The 25th season is a window or gate of time from which you can view the future – by the help of God. This is a week of prophetic revelations

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 25TH WEEK:

Going through the 25th week of the year (June 18-24 in a clear year) is like taking a prophetic journey through the 25th book (Lamentations) and 25th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Lamentation and the 25th chapters of the Bible (20 of them) are great guiding lights for the week. This is a season to carefully discern the will of God and focus on it without distractions.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

1. June 18: Lamentations 1: 1-22
2. June 19: Lamentations 2: 1-22
3. June 20: Lamentations 3: 1-22
4. June 21: Lamentations 3: 23-44
5. June 22: Lamentations 3: 45-66
6. June 23: Lamentations 4: 1-22
7. June 24: Lamentations 5: 1-22

THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

Here are 6 things to note about the 25th season:

1. A TIME TO END TROUBLES

The 25th season is a time to end troubles. Isaiah 25 captures this theme very well. The 12-verse chapter highlights the end of troubles:

a) the fortified evil city (Isaiah 25:1-5).

b) the surface of the covering cast over all people and the veil that is spread over all nations (Isaiah 25:6-7).

c) death, tears and the rebuke of God’s people (Isaiah 25:8-9).

d) Moab (Isaiah 25:10-12)

Rebekah’s barrenness ended in Genesis 25. The Second World War ended at the beginning of the 25th seven years of the United States (in 1945). That is the reason the psalmist prays to be delivered and helped in Psalm 25. Psalm 25:17 says, “The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses!” Troubles increase when they’re about to end.

That the 25th season is a time to end troubles is key to understanding all the other things that are associated with the 25th season.

In a season when troubles end, hunger pressurized Esau to sell his birthright for food (Genesis 25).

In a season when troubles end, Israel succumbed to temptations at Baal-peor (Numbers 25).

In a season when troubles end, David was tempted to take vengeance against Nabal (Samuel 25) before Abigail intervened.

PRAYER: Proclaim that this is a week of ending troubles in the nations and families and pray against distractions and for victory in temptations.

  1. 2. A SEASON TO TEST GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION

God demanded offering from Israelites in Exodus 25. Nabal was not generous to David and his men in First Samuel 25.isaiah 25 shows the generosity of God in throwing a feast of choice pieces. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25) the man who received one talent did not have a generous heart. In the parable of the sheep and goat nations, it took generosity to feed the hungry and visit the sick and prisoners. In the 25th season, it is important to show respect to all men – especially the weak and vulnerable.

PRAYER: Pray that God’s people in the nations will not miss opportunities to be generous this week.

  1. 3. A TIME TO SEEK MERCY:

This is a season when Perfection reacts against iniquity. This is the season when inadequacy stands before Completeness and Comprehensiveness for judgment. The number of God’s perfection, completeness, and comprehensiveness is 22. The book of Lamentations, the 25th book of the Bible, has 5 chapters and 154 (22×7) verses. The first 2 chapters and the last 2 chapters have 22 verses each. The third chapter has 66 verses. Every day of the week has a share of 22 verses. Mercy is very precious in this season because it is a season of judgment. This season has zero tolerance for rebellion. It does not spare the rebellious. Moses committed his fatal error in the fourth division chapters of the book of Numbers (Numbers 20).. God commanded him to give the people water by speaking to the rock. Moses struck the rock with his rod instead. God was displeased and said he would not enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 21, many Israelites died in the plague of the fiery serpents for rebellion against God. Three kings of the Amorites also fell in this section of the fourth book of the Bible – for resisting the purpose of God. In Numbers 25, twenty-four thousand Israelites perished at Baal-peor because of sin. The 25th book of the Bible is about the judgment that befell Judah and Jerusalem because of rebellion against God. Mercy is a great need in the 25th season. In Psalm 25, the Psalmist prays for mercy. The 25th book of the Bible is a song of God’s mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” .

PRAYER: Pray for the repentance and salvation of people living in rebellion against God. Pray that the Lord will keep you from walking the path of rebellion this week. Pray to be in alignment with heaven in the steps you take this week. Pray that God’s mercy will destabilize the wicked and save the godly and needy.

  1. 4. A TIME TO BE WISE AND DISCERNING:

This season does not smile at, or sympathize with, foolishness. In Genesis 25, Esau gave his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food. That was a costly price for any kind of food. May the Lord keep from throwing the future away because of present pressures or pleasures. First Samuel 25 reveals the wisdom of Abigail in her time]y intervention to stop bloodshed and save her foolish husband. Matthew 25 tells the story of the ten virgin; five of whom were foolish. The other two parables in Matthew 25 also show how people miss great opportunities through lack of wisdom and discernment. Paul’s discerning appeal to Caesar in Acts 25 saved his life. Wisdom is a lifeline in the 25th season.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will shield your heart from foolishness in every form. Pray to walk in Proverbs 25 wisdom in the 25th week. Pray to be delivered from making wrong decisions that would bring tears, sorrow, or unnecessary pains. Pray for all who occupy strategic positions of leadership to be kept from erroneous and costly decisions or policies.

  1. 5. A TIME TO WATCH AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF DEATH: 

The 25th book and chapters of the Bible indicate that there is a spirit that seeks to push people into weeping and mourning in the 25th season. That evil spirit accomplishes this by causing destructions, losses, and death. The 25th book of the Bible is called Lamentations. This week, we should watch against choices, decisions, and steps that could lead to lamentations. The US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki happened within the 25th seven years of the US. That was the first use of atomic bomb in world history. It brought lamentations to Japan. This week in 2022, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan killing over 1000 people and injured over 1500. It was a week of lamentation for Afghans.The will of God is that 25th season should be a season feasting and wiping tears away. Isaiah 25:6-9 says, “And in this mountain The LORD of hosts will make for all people A feast of choice pieces, A feast of wines on the lees, Of fat things full of marrow, Of well-refined wines on the lees. [7] And He will destroy on this mountain The surface of the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations. [8] He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. [9] And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

PRAYER: Pray that this week will be a season of joy; not lamentations. Pray against sudden disasters, surprise attacks, mass death, and wasteful destruction. Pray that murders who seek to kill and destroy, in this week, will run out of mercy and be frustrated. Pray Psalm 25:2-3 – “O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause”.

  1. 6. A TIME TO MARK THE END OF AN ERA:

The 25th season is the end of an era. The arrival of a 25th season is the arrival of the end of a phase of life. Abraham and Ishmael died in Genesis 25; where Isaac and Rebecca had their sons. That marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new season. Miriam and Aaron died in the fourth division chapters of the fourth book of the Bible (Numbers 20). Eleazar became the new high priest. Samuel died in First Samuel 25. The death of Samuel ended an era in Israel. Gedaliah, Governor of Judah was murdered in Second Kings 25 – the last chapter of the book. The 25th book of the Bible, Lamentations, is about the end of the era of the first temple in Jerusalem. Proverbs 25 is the beginning of the end of Solomon’s Proverbs in the book. Matthew 25 is the last teaching of Jesus before His arrest and crucifixion. This week in 1865, the Juneteenth proclamation was made in Texas, on June 19, to establish the freedom of blacks and mark the end of slavery. William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States was assassinated in 1901. He was the last of US Presidents that served in the American Civil War. That was the end of an era. Sun Yat-sen, the Provisional President of the Republic of China died in 1925 (March 12) at the age of 58. It was the end of an era in China. Benito Mussolini became dictator in Italy in January 1925. Adolf Hitler became leader of the Nazi Party in February 1925. In 1945, at the beginning of the 25th seven years of the United States, both Mussolini and Hitler died to end end the era they initiated in their countries. Hitler died in the 25th year of his delivery of the Nazi Party Platform in 1920. In the same 1945, the longest serving US President, Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12; at the beginning of his 4th term. He was the first and last US president to serve more than two consecutive terms. His death ended an era. It was in the 25th seven years of the US that the Second World War ended. That was also the first time the atomic bomb was used in a war. That was the end of an era. In 1985, the 25th year of Nigeria, War Against Indiscipline in Nigeria ended win the overthrow of the Buhari – Idiagbon government. That was the end of an era. This week in 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe Vs Wade by a 6-3 vote. This is the end of an era. This 25th week of the year will mark the opening of a new page in the year. Be glad!

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will protect and preserve His own who occupy positions of power and authority (in different spheres) in the nations. Prophesy and declare that this 25th week of the year is the end of a season and the beginning of a new season in the year.

Happy 25th week!

LEARN ABOUT EACH DAY OF THE WEEK

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

THE MYSTERY OF THE 24TH BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY AND THE 25TH YEAR

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

The 24th birthday or Anniversary is the end of the 24th year and the beginning of a new year – the 25th year. Put another way, the 25th year is the 12-month season following the 24th birthday or anniversary. So, now that you have marked the 24th year, you have moved to your 25th year. I pray it will be a season of tremendous joy for you. It is important to understand the prophetic significance of the season you have stepped into – so you will know what to and how to pray. First Chronicles 12:32 tells us that the goal of understanding the times is to know what we ought to do. Zechariah 10:1-2 says we should ask God for things in their time. This article will help you to know what you ought to do and what should ask for in your 25th year.

God’s word is our lamp and light in all seasons. So, I will begin by showing you the Biblical patterns for the 25th year. The Biblical patterns will give you a broad perspective of the season and also serve as the “two or three witnesses” establishing and confirming the truth about this season.

SIX BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 25TH YEAR

The 6 Biblical patterns for understanding the 25th day are

  1. The narrative of the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-19)
  2. The 25th book of the Bible (Lamentations)
  3. The 25th chapters of the Bible.
  4. The narrative of Numbers 17-21
  5. The last 9 books of the Old Testament
  6. The mention of the 25th year in the Bible.
  8. 1. The 25th year is a fourth day of creation year. This year is a core fourth-season year. It is the fourth year within the fourth seven years (22-28). The fourth day of creation (Genesis 1: 14-19) is key to understanding the 25th year. On the fourth day of creation, God made the luminaries and gave them power and authority to rule over the creation of the first day (day and night) and to divide the light from the darkness. God also gave the luminaries the task of regulating and signaling seasons – days, months, and years. The luminaries were made for light, government, separation and to give regulatory signs. You need illumination in the 25th year. The luminaries God made on the fourth day of creation are guiding-lights. You need the guiding lights of God (the word of God, revelation from the Holy Spirit and wise counsel) to keep you from stumbling in this season. Do not isolate yourself from channels of truth or frpm people who have experience and counsel.

The FIRST returns in the FOURTH. God made light to work against darkness on the first and fourth days. As we all needed to be guided in the first seven years of life, we also need to be guided in the fourth seven years – where the 25th belongs.

  1. 2. Year 25 is like a book of Numbers year in a 7 year season also expressing the Book of Numbers. It is a Numbers 17-21 year. The fourth book of the Bible is the guiding light for the fourth seven years (22-28) and the 25th year is the fourth year in this season. It is the fourth of the fourth. So, the fourth prophetic division of the fourth book of the Bible is applicable to the 25th year.

If you divide the book of Numbers into seven parts, you would have five chapters and a remainder of one. Put the remainder in the first division to make it six chapters. You’ll see that Numbers 17-21 is the fourth part. In Numbers 17, Aaron’s dry rod, out of 12 rods belonging to Israel’s tribal heads, budded and brought forth ripe almond fruit overnight. This ended the contention against Aaron’s Levitical Priesthood. This is a year to settle some questions and arguments in your life. Numbers 18 is about the duties and privileges of the priests; including tithes for Levites and tithes from Levites. Numbers 19 is about laws of purification. In Numbers 20, Moses committed his fatal error of striking the rock twice, to bring water for Israel, instead of speaking to the rock. Edom also refused Israel passage through her territory. It was another grave error in this passage. May the Lord keep you from making costly mistakes in this year. This chapter (Numbers 20) opened with the death of Miriam and ends with the death of Aaron. God said Aaron would not enter the Promised Land because of the rebellion at Neribah. Israel mourned him thirty days. In the 21st chapter, Israel faced the fiery serpents because of murmuring. They also had major victories against three strong kings. God wants the 25th year to be a season of triumphs – not death and defeat. Heaven reacts against rebellion in this season.

  1. 3. The 25th year is a book of Lamentations year. Lamentations is the 25th book of the Bible. Jeremiah wrote the five-chapter book following the destruction of Jerusalem and the final captivity. The prophetic message of the book of Lamentations is that if we reject guidance in the 25th year or season, the end would be lamentations. The 25th President of the United States was William McKinley. He was assassinated. Franklin D. Roosevelt was President in the 25th seven years of the United States. He also died in office in 1945. That was the first year in the fourth 7years of the United States and the year the Second World War ended – following the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. God’s will for the 25th year is laughter – not lamentation. It is lack of discernment that makes it a season of lamentation.

The Book of Lamentation is a great guiding light for the 25th year. It is a very unique book in the Bible. The first and last two chapters have 22 verses each. The 3rd and middle chapter has 66 verses. There are seven 22 verses The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. So, the number 22 represents comprehensiveness. God has comprehensive light for you in this season. As you read this 25th book of the Bible, determine and pray that the story of your 25th year will not be a story of lamentations. This is a season to carefully discern the will of God and focus on it without distractions.

You may want to read the book of Lamentations in seven days as follows:

Day 1: Lamentations 1: 1-22
Day 2: Lamentations 2: 1-22
Day 3: Lamentations 3: 1-22
Day 4: Lamentations 3: 23-44
Day 5: Lamentations 3: 45-66
Day 6: Lamentations 4: 1-22
Day 7: Lamentations 5: 1-22

  1. 4. The 25th year is a 25th chapters of the Bible season. The 25th chapters of the Bible reveal that the 25th season is a time to walk cautiously to avoid turning it into a season of tears and regrets. Just as the 25th year is called Lamentations, there are also stories of regrets and tears in the 25th chapters of the Bible. Genesis 25 records the death of Abraham and Ishmael; and Esau’s sale of his birthright to Jacob. In Numbers 25, Israel fell into Balaam’s trap and committed idolatry and immorality with Moabites. 24, 000 Israelites died of plague on that day. In First Samuel 25, Nabal died of drunkenness and heart attack. The death of Samuel the prophet is also recorded in this chapter. The fall and captivity of Judah is recorded in Second Kings 25. The assassination of Gedaliah, whom the Babylonian King made governor of Judah, and the people with him, is recorded in this chapter also. In Second Chronicles 25, Amaziah became king and executed his servants who had murdered his father, Joash, the king. Amaziah later became idolatrous and obstinate after defeating Edom. Israel defeated him in battle. The death of Amaziah is recorded in this passage. In Matthew 25, Jesus gave the Parable of the ten virgins and of the talents. He also spoke of the judgment of the sheep and goat nations. In this chapter, Jesus said there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In Acts 25, Paul escaped death at the hands of the Jews because he wisely appealed to Caesar for judgment. He refused to go to Jerusalem for judgment. You can escape the pit of the season by following the God-given luminaries for the season.
  3. 5. The 25th year is Obadiah – Malachi season in the fourth seven years. Going through any seven-year season (like the fourth seven years) is like a journey through the Bible. The fourth 7 years has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four years of the season (22-25) belong to the Old Testament side and express the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three years of the season (26-28) constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The 25th year is the year closing the Old Testament side of the seven-year season. It is a bridge-year and a promotion examination year in the fourth seven years. Your relationship with both God and men will be tested. Pray and determine to pass the tests. The 25th year expresses the last nine books of the Old Testament. It is the bridge-year leading to the New Testament side of the fourth 7 years. The books of ‘the minor prophets’ are part of the last 9 books of the O.T. They are about judgment and promises of restoration. The 25th year is a season of the dominion of guiding lights. Let the God-given luminaries dominate this season of your life. Expose yourself to people who have light and understanding in this season.
  5. 6. The 25th year is an Ezekiel 40 year. In Ezekiel 40, in a 25th year, God began to give the prophet the vision of New Jerusalem. God will want to give you a vision of your future in this 25th year. Be sensitive and attentive. The 25th year is a window or gate of time from which you can view the future – by the help of God. This is a year of prophetic revelations.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE YEAR

Time is a gate that purposes must pass through to find expression on earth. So, you should watch over this season as a gate through which certain purposes will seek to enter your life. An unmanned gate is a disaster.

Here are 4 things to note about the 25th year:

  1. 1. IT IS A SEASON TO WALK IN OBEDIENCE AND SEEK MERCY:

This is a season when Perfection reacts against iniquity. This is the season when inadequacy stands before Completeness and Comprehensiveness for judgment. Mercy is very precious in this season because it is a season of judgment. This season has zero tolerance for rebellion. It does not spare the rebellious. Moses committed his fatal error in the fourth division chapters of the book of Numbers (Numbers 20).. God commanded him to give the people water by speaking to the rock. Moses struck the rock with his rod instead. God was displeased and said he would not enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 21, many Israelites died in the plague of the fiery serpents for rebellion against God. Three kings of the Amorites also fell in this section of the fourth book of the Bible – for resisting the purpose of God. In Numbers 25, twenty-four thousand Israelites perished at Baal-peor because of sin. The 25th book of the Bible is about the judgment that befell Judah and Jerusalem because of rebellion against God. Mercy is a great need in the 25th season. In Psalm 25, the Psalmist prays for mercy. The 25th book of the Bible is a song of God’s mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” .

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will keep you from walking the path of rebellion this year. Pray to be in alignment with heaven in the steps you take this 25th year.

  1. 2. IT IS A SEASON TO OPERATE WITH WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT:

This season does not smile at, or sympathize with, foolishness. In Genesis 25, Esau gave his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food. That was a costly price for any kind of food. May the Lord keep from throwing the future away because of present pressures or pleasures. First Samuel 25 reveals the wisdom of Abigail in her time]y intervention to stop bloodshed and save her foolish husband. Matthew 25 tells the story of the ten virgin; five of whom were foolish. The other two parables in Matthew 25 also show how people miss great opportunities through lack of wisdom and discernment. Paul’s discerning appeal to Caesar in Acts 25 saved his life. Wisdom is a lifeline in the 25th year. Be generous and treat all men with respect – especially the weak.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will shield your heart from every form if foolishness in this year. Pray to walk in Proverbs 25 wisdom in the 25th year. Pray to be delivered from making wrong decisions that would bring tears, sorrow, or unnecessary pains.

  1. 3. IT IS A SEASON END TEARS AND BE DELIVERED FROM PAIN: 

The 25th book and chapters of the Bible indicate that there is a spirit that seeks to push people into weeping and mourning in the 25th season. That evil spirit accomplishes this by causing destructions, losses, and death. The 25th book of the Bible is called Lamentations. INn this 25th year, you must watch against choices, decisions, and steps that could lead to lamentations. The US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki happened within the 25th seven years of the US. That was the first use of atomic bomb in world history. It brought lamentations to Japan. The will of God is that 25th season should be a season feasting and wiping tears away. Isaiah 25:6-9 says, “And in this mountain The LORD of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees. [7] And He will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations. [8] He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. [9] And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

PRAYER: Pray that this year will be a season of joy; not lamentations. Pray against sudden disasters, surprise attacks, death and wasteful destruction. Pray that murderers who may seek to harm you and yours, in this year, will run out of mercy and be frustrated. Pray Psalm 25:2-3 – “O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause”.

  1. 4. IT IS THE END OF AN ERA:
  2. The arrival of a 25th season is the arrival of the end of a phase of life. Abraham and Ishmael died in Genesis 25; where Isaac and Rebecca had their sons. That marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new season. Miriam and Aaron died in the fourth division chapters of the fourth book of the Bible (Numbers 20). Eleazar became the new high priest. Samuel died in First Samuel 25. The death of Samuel ended an era in Israel. Gedaliah, Governor of Judah was murdered in Second Kings 25 – the last chapter of the book. The 25th book of the Bible, Lamentations, is about the end of the era of the first temple in Jerusalem. In the 25th week of 1865, the Juneteenth proclamation was made in Texas, on June 19, to establish the freedom of blacks and mark the end of slavery. That was a new beginning. William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States was assassinated in 1901. He was the last of US Presidents that served in the American Civil War. That was the end of an era. Sun Yat-sen, the Provisional President of the Republic of China died in 1925 (March 12) at the age of 58. It was the end of an era in China. Benito Mussolini became dictator in Italy in January 1925. Adolf Hitler became leader of the Nazi Party in February 1925. In 1945, at the beginning of the 25th seven years of the United States, both Mussolini and Hitler died to end the era they initiated in their countries. In the same 1945, the longest serving US President, Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12; at the beginning of his 4th term. He was the first and last US president to serve more than two terms. His death ended an era. It was in the 25th seven years of the US that the Second World War ended. That was also the first time the atomic bomb was used in a war. In 1985, the 25th year of Nigeria, War Against Indiscipline in Nigeria ended win the overthrow of the Buhari-Idiagbon government. That was the end of an era. This 25th year will mark the end of a phase and the opening of a new page in your life, family or career. Be glad!!!

PRAYER: Prophesy and declare that this 25th year is the end of a phase of life and the beginning of a new season in your life.

CONCLUSION: Remember that many have successfully gone through this season you are now going through. You are not alone. Do not be afraid. It is your season to shine as light because you have His light. You will succeed like many others who had gone this way before you. You don’t have to be like those who failed. Enjoy your 25th year!

Happy 25th year!

THE 24TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (JUNE 11-17)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

We begin praying into each week by going to the word of God to see what God intends the week to be and then pray that the week would be what is revealed. It’s like praying from the back end. So, let us begin with the Biblical patterns for the 24th week and then move on to prayer points for the week.

FIVE BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 24TH WEEK

There are 5 Biblical patterns that will help us understand the Lord’s heart for the 24th week. The first reason for assembling the patterns is that “by the mouth of two or three witnesses, truth is established” (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28). The other reason is to give a broader perspective of the season.

Here are the five Biblical patterns:

1. The narrative of the third day of creation.

2. The 24th book of the Bible

3. The 24th chapters of the Bible

4. The narrative of Numbers 12-16

5. The third 10 books of the Bible

1. The 24th week is a third-day-of-creation week. The 24th Week is the third week in the fourth seven weeks of the year. The third season is a significant game-changing season. The third day of creation changed the course of creation. That’s when ‘the carriers’ (sea, dry ground, and vegetation) came into existence. The third chapter of every book of the Bible is the game-changing chapter in the book. The 24th Week is the game-changing week in the fourth seven weeks of the year.

2. The 24th week is a book of Jeremiah week. Jeremiah is the 24th book of the Bible and is applicable to the 24th day, week, year, or seven years. In that book, God uncovered the prophet in a priest and established him in his ordination. The 24th season is for uprooting, pulling down, building and planting. As God overthrew the waters on the third day of creation and established the earth and its vegetation, that is how God overthrow and plants in the 24th season.

Jeremiah 1:10 says, “See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”

In his days, Jeremiah stood for the uprooting of what God is displeased with; and for the planting of what Heaven approves. The captivity of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem happened in his season and he prophesied it. He stood for Babylon and against Judah and Jerusalem.

The 24th book of the Bible can be divided into seven seasons as follows:

a). The first day of the week is Jeremiah 1-8 day.

b). The second day of the week is Jeremiah 9-16 day

c). The third day of the week is Jeremiah 17-24 day

d). The fourth day of the week is Jeremiah 25-31 day

e). The fifth day of the week is Jeremiah 32-38 day

f). The sixth day of the week is Jeremiah 39-45 day

g). The seventh day of the week is Jeremiah 46-52 day.

3. The 24th week is a 24th-chapters-of-the-Bible week. In Genesis 24, Rebekah was found and picked from among other girls to be Isaac’s wife. The thick veil that covered Rebekah was lifted and she was chosen to become the wife of Isaac, the Seed of Promise. In First Samuel 24, Saul and his company who chased David to the cave were overtaken by sleep and fell into the hands of David but he spared Saul. In Second Samuel 24, Mount Moriah, which had become the threshing floor of a Jebusite, was recovered and made an altar for God. That was where Solomon built the temple of God. The 24th Psalm opens with the acknowledgment of God as the Owner of the earth and all that is in it. Psalm 24:1-2 says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters”. God demonstrates He is the Owner of the earth in the 24th season. In Luke 24, Jesus rose from the dead and broke through the sealed tomb. In Acts 24, Tertulius gathered vain fellows to raise accusation against Paul but the false accusers could not prevail. In the same chapter, Governor Felix who denied Paul due justice was moved out and Governor Festus took his place.

4. The 24th is a Numbers 12-16 season. What does the 24th Week have to do with Numbers 12-16? The 24th Week is part of the fourth seven weeks of the year; and the fourth book of the Bible is Guiding Light for this season. As the third week in the fourth seven weeks, the 24th week expresses the third section of the fourth book of the Bible. Week 22 expresses Numbers 1-6. Week 23 expresses Numbers 7-11. Week 24 expresses Numbers 12-16. Week 25 expresses Numbers 17-21. The 5 chapters in the third section (Numbers 12-16) are the ‘overthrow-chapters’ in the book. Miriam became leprous for speaking against Moses in Numbers 12. The 12 spies (except Joshua and Caleb) brought an evil report of the Promised Land. In Numbers 13. Israel rejected the Good Land and God sentenced His people to 40 years of wandering in the Wilderness in Numbers 14. The rebellion and judgment of Korah and his company is recorded in Numbers 16. Numbers 15 is about God’s commands and shows the way to stay out of trouble in this season. The 24th Week is for the judgment and overthrow of the rebellious.

5. Week 24 is Ecclesiastes – Amos week in the fourth seven weeks. Going through any 7-week season is like taking a journey through the Bible. Every 7-week season has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four weeks of the season belong to the Old Testament side and express the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three weeks of the season constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The third week of the season is the third week in the Old Testament side of the season; and expresses the third 10 books of the Old Testament and the Bible. In the third 10 books of the Bible, God sent His prophets to speak to the people. They confronted the people, warned them against judgment, comforted the faithful, and brought judgment on the arrogant. The third week is for the overthrow of the rebellious and establishment of the humble and just. How you fare in this season depends on your attitude and response to the word of God. This is a day of prophetic confrontation and judgment.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

Here are four things to note about the 24th week:

1. The 24th season is a season of war against rebellion. As the Owner of the earth and everything in it, God declares war against rebels in the 24th season to bring them down. Isaiah 24:1,3 says, “Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste, Distorts its surface And scatters abroad its inhabitants. [3] The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered, For the LORD has spoken this word” .The 24th book of the Bible is about war between God, His rebellious people and other ungodly nations. In Second Samuel 24, the Lord reacted against David’s ill-advised census of Israel. The destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Judah is recorded in Second Kings 24. Joash died at the hands of his enemies for his apostasy. The 24th chapters of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Matthew are prophecies of judgments. The 24th President of the United States had to wrestle with a nationwide strike of railroad workers that sought to paralyze the US railway system in 1894. WW2 happened within the 24th seven years of the United States. It was war against the wicked and proud. In 1984, the 24th year of Nigeria, the Federal Government (Buhari regime) launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI).

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will visit rebellion in the land this week. Pray that the Lord will reveal and manifest Himself, this week, as the Owner of the world. Pray against rebellion in your own life. Confess and repent of any sin of rebellion against God in your life.

2. It is a season of overthrows . In Numbers 24, God overthrew the plans of Balak against Israel. Balaam could not curse Israel. He blessed them instead. God overthrew Saul plans and delivered him into David’s hands in First Samuel 24. David spared Saul. In Acts 24, Tertulius gathered vain fellows to raise accusation against Paul but the false accusers could not prevail. In the same chapter, Governor Felix who denied Paul due justice was moved out and Governor Festus took his place. Nigeria’s Second Republic that began in her 19th year was overthrown in the 24th year. In the 24th week of 1993 (June 12), Nigeria’s military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the 1993 Presidential election results.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will overthrow the enemies of His people and frustrate their plans and plots. Pray, in line with Psalm 24, that gates shut against God’s purposes be lifted. Pray that God will weaken the persecutors of His people in this week.

3. The 24th season is a season of vindication and establishment. It is a bounce-back season. In Second Samuel 24, Mount Moriah (where Isaac was to be sacrificed) , which had become the threshing floor of a Jebusite, was recovered and made an altar for God. That was where Solomon built the temple of God. It is also believed to be the site of the LORD’s crucifixion. The resurrection of Jesus is recorded in Luke 24. There, Jesus bounced back to life, on the third day after crucifixion and burial. The 24th President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, was also the 22nd President. He lost reelection bid to the 23rd President, Benjamin Harrison, but bounced back to become the 24th President – the only US President to serve two non-consecutive terms. 1924 was the year of the American Indian Citizenship Act. The American Indians bounced back. This is a week of recovery and bouncing back.

PRAYER : Pray that this 24th week will be a week of recoveries and bouncing back for God’s people in the nations. Pray that it will be a week of recovering lost grounds, realms, visions, glory, possessions, health, and so on.

4. The 24th season is for the unveiling and manifestation of hidden servant leaders. It is the season of service and sacrifice. In Genesis 24, Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for Isaac. Eleazar was a great servant leader. In the same chapter, Rebekah passed the test of sacrificial service and became Isaac’s wife. Joshua pledged to serve the Lord with his household in Joshua 24. David demonstrated great servant-leadership in the way he treated Saul in First Samuel 24. First Chronicles 24 is about the Priesthood under David’s administration. The true mark of servants is is obedience to commands and instructions. Servants please their masters. The 24th chapters of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, are a laws and commandments given to Israel. God recruits servants in the 24th season. Psalm 24 gives qualification of the servant-leader. Proverbs 24 gives instructions to the servant-leader. Jeremiah, author of the 24th book of the Bible, was a true servant. He served God even when it was painful to do so. The longest serving US President, Franklin D Roosevelt was in office in the 24th seven years of the US. He was President in the season of WW2.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will help you, this week, to be a true servant leader before God and among men. Pray that you will pass the test of servant leadership this week. Pray that God will unveil hidden servant leaders for places and positions where they are needed this week.

THE LORD GOD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU

In Numbers 24, Balak, the king of Moab, hired Balaam to curse Israel so he could defeat God’s people. That was ‘Mission Impossible’. That chapter shows how frustrated and dejected Balak was because the efforts to curse Israel failed. God will fight for you this week.

In First Samuel 24, Saul took 3000 soldiers to the Wilderness of Engedi in search of David and his 600 men. Saul and his men slept off and fell into the hands of David. The great psalmist of Israel refused to kill his master. He only cut off a part of his skirt. This week, God will fight for you.

In Luke 24, the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Death and the grave could not hold him. Those who masterminded His crucifixion were put to shame. This 24th week, God will fight for you.

In Acts 24, Paul stood trial before Felix. The Jews poured accusations on Him. The Governor knew Paul was guiltless; but to do the Jews a favor, He sat on Paul’s case for two years; expecting a bribe. Transfer came and corrupt Felix was moved out of the way. The earth, all its fullness, with the world and those who live in it, all belongo to God. This week, the Lord will shame your adversaries.

Happy 24th week!

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

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THE 23RD WEEK OF THE YEAR (JUNE 4 – 10)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

Welcome to the 23rd week of the year. This is the second week in the fourth seven weeks of the year. This week consists of Days 155 – 161 of the year. In 2023, this is the 23rd week of the 23rd year of the 21st century. We’ll consider Biblical patterns for the week, first, and then move on to the prayer points for the week.

  1. FIVE BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 23RD WEEK

The Bible keys to understanding the 23rd week are

a). the second day of creation narrative,

b). Numbers 7-11

c). the 23rd book of the Bible,

d). the 23rd chapters of the Bible,

e). The Second 10 books of the Bible (First Kings – Proverbs)

A Week 23 is a second day of creation week. Why? It is the second week in the fourth seven weeks of the year. So, the second day of creation is applicable to this week.

On the second day of creation, God made the firmament to divide the water-bloc that occupied all space and left room for nothing else. The firmament was created to give room and breathing space to other creatures and purposes.

The 23rd week is for releasing a heavenly force (by prayer, prophetic word, wisdom and collaborative relationships) to dismantle space blockers, evil monopolies and barriers to life and freedom. This is a season for breaking the power and might of united evil forces.

As a second day of creation week, the 23rd week is a season of receiving help from above. God named the firmament Heaven (Genesis 1:8). This is a week of releasing the power of Heaven to bear on situations on earth.

B. Week 23 is a Numbers 7-11 week. The five chapters following the first six chapters of the fourth book of the Bible are applicable to the second week in the fourth seven weeks of the year. This section of the book of Numbers is about the dedication of people and things to God – Nazirites, offerings of leaders, Levites, lamps, and trumpets. Israel also received counsel and direction from God, through Moses, in this section of the book. This is the week of dedicated vessels.and instruments. It takes dedicated people and vessels to release the power of God in this season.

C. Week 23 is a First Kings – Proverbs season in the fourth seven weeks of the year. Going through each week of the fourth 49 days is like going through the Bible. The first three weeks of the fourth seven weeks (weeks 22-24) is like going through the first 30 books of the Bible – 10 books for each week. The remaining four weeks of the fourth 7 weeks is like going through the remaining 36 books of the Bible – nine books for each week. The second week (the 23rd week) expresses the second 10 books of the Bible. The second 10 books of the Bible are 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms and Proverbs. These ten books are about Israel’s fame, decline, captivity, and return. The book of Job dramatizes this. The book of Psalms reveals the struggles and triumphs. The book of Proverbs reveals that the wisdom of the fear of God is the key to triumph in this season.

D. Week 23 is a Psalm 23 week.

Psalm 23:1-6 says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. [3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever”.

May you find help this week and also be a heaven sent help to someone, somewhere and somehow. The fourth verse of Psalm 23 reveals that the 23rd week is like the valley of the shadow of death; but it is also the season when the Lord sets tables for His anointed before enemies. This Psalm 23 week, you should experience the shepherding of the Lord as David testified in Psalm 23. You should also listen to His voice and follow Him as His sheep.

E. Week 23 is a book of Isaiah week. Isaiah is the 23rd book of the Bible and is applicable to the 23rd week. Isaiah prophesied in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. The book of Isaiah is about ‘desolation’ and ‘restoration’. The first 39 chapters of the book is about judgments and desolations in the nations – Israel and others. The following 27 chapters are chapters of comfort and restoration. Isaiah was a great support to king Hezekiah against the kings of Assyria. His prophetic ministry broke the strength of Sennacherib. He prophesied the fall of proud and arrogant nations and their kings, and the rising of kings and nations. The 23rd book of the Bible is set against the proud and haughty. Isaiah prophesied about the virgin-birth and the Messiah. He prophesied about the new heaven and the new earth. The book of Isaiah is the miniature Bible. It has 66 chapters as the Bible has 66 books. Each chapter of Isaiah is a prophetic capture of a book of the Bible. Going through the 23rd book of the Bible is like going through the Bible itself. The 23rd week is an All-In-One week.

In the book of Isaiah, God is magnified and the future is made visible. This week, you should see the future, hear the Voice of God and declare the Word of the Lord as Isaiah did. The Lord should be magnified in your life and circumstances as in the 23rd book of the Bible. Isaiah is an all-encompassing book. Going through week 23 is like experiencing the 23rd book of the Bible. Each day of the week would have its pattern in ten or nine chapters of the book. The first three days of the week expresses the first 30 chapters of the 23rd book (10 chapters for each day). The last four days of the week expresses the last 36 chapters (31-66). It is a week to war via the prophetic word. It is a week to declare the word of God. It’s a week of seeing, hearing and declaring the counsel of our Superior God. This 23rd week is a week of destructions and rehabilitation. It is a week of war and battles against proud and oppressive monopolies. It is a season to overthrow the prevailing evil waters with the prophetic firmament of God. This week, may the Lord war against your adversaries and build you up. This week, may your life and person never be an obstruction to divine counsel and purposes.

In the season of the 23rd president of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, the United States began to be a naval power. He admitted more states into the Union than any other president; and he was the earliest president to have his voice recorded (with phonograph wax). The 23rd seven years of the United States (1930-1937) were the closing years of Herbert Hoover and the first-term years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the longest serving US President who was elected for a fourth successive term. The 23rd seven years was the beginning of a great presidency.

  1. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 23RD WEEK:

Going through the 23rd week (Days 155-161) of the year is like taking a prophetic journey through the 23rd book of the Bible (Isaiah). So, the Book of Isaiah is a great guiding light for the week. This is the season to dethrone evil monopolies.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:
June 4: Isaiah 1-10
June 5: Isaiah 11-20
June 6: Isaiah 21-30
June 7: Isaiah 31-39
June 8: Isaiah 40-48
June 9: Isaiah 49-57
June 10: Isaiah 59-66

SUMMARY: This is a season to trust God completely and wait for His salvation.

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

  1. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 23RD WEEK

The Bible reveals 5 major things about the 23rd season.:

a). The 23rd season is a time to magnify God as Sovereign Lord and Way-Maker. It is a time to boast in God. The book of Isaiah is the 23rd book of the Bible. God is magnified in that book as Lord. Even the Lord Himself says there is none like Him. Idols and those who serve them are mocked in this book. The 23rrd week is a book of Isaiah week. It is also a Psalm 23 week. This is a week to express great confidence in the God of Israel. In this season, God reveals Himself as the Sufficient All-In-One to those who fear Him.

PRAYER: Pray the the name of the Lord will be magnified among His people and in the nations this week.

b). The 23rd season is for capturing the future. Isaiah saw and spoke of the future in the 23rd book of the Bible. He spoke of the virgin conception, the rising and falling of kings and nations, the restoration of Israel, and the new heaven and earth. This week is for securing the future. Abraham purchased the future in Genesis 23. Sarah died here and Abraham bought and paid for a burial ground for his family. That gave him a stake in the Promised Land. The government of Nigeria exhibited shortsightedness in the 23rd year of the nation (1983) when it sent 2 million Ghananians parking from Nigeria – ‘ Ghana Must Go!’ That administration was ousted December 31 of the same year.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will open Heaven’s portal to His trusted vessels and guide them to declare things in the mind of God – to give both direction and hope.

c). The 23rd season is a time to expose and mock fakery. This is the time to expose the emptiness of the lofty. The book of Isaiah mocks powerless idols. Jeremiah 23 prophesies against false prophets and shepherds. Jesus denounced hypocritical leaders in Matthew 23. In Acts 23, Paul called the high priest “whitewashed wall”. This season favors authenticity.

PRAYER: Pray that false and deceiving prophets in the nations will be exposed and silenced in this season.

d). This week is for breaking the strength of evil forces and monopolies.

PRAYER: Pray for the failure of the types of Sennacherib in our world today.

e). This is a week to be led and guided by the Lord as a shepherd does the sheep. 1 Samuel 23.

PRAYER: Pray for divine wisdom and direction in the tasks of the week.

HOW TO LIVE IN THE 23RD WEEK

1. Be confident in God just like the psalmist in Psalm 23.

2. Be prayerful. Seek prayer-support.

3. Be authentic. Be sincere before God.

4. Be far-sighted in your decisions and actions.

5. Preoccupy your heart with thoughts of the loftiness and sovereignty of God.

6. Be prophetic. Release the Word of the Lord from your mouth like a prophet. Words are powerful in the 23rd season. The future is in what you do with your mouth in this season.

DECLARATIONS FROM THE 23RD CHAPTERS OFTHE BIBLE FOR THE 23RD WEEK

1. As the Lord spoke against false prophets in Jeremiah 23, and as Jesus denounced the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 and exposed their superficiality, this week, the rod of the Lord’s Voice will rise against hypocrisy and falsehood in the land.

2. In Genesis 23, as Abraham took advantage of Sarah’s death to purchase a burial ground and secured the future in the Promised Land, this week, the Lord guide us to make decisions and take actions that would secure the future.

3. As God blocked and thwarted the efforts of Balak and Balaam to place a curse on Israel in Numbers 23, this 23rd week, the Lord will frustrate and neutralize any rod of sorcery raised against His people.

4. As God delivered David from the hand of Saul in First Samuel 23 and delivered Paul from the evil conspiracy of Pharisees and Sadducees in Acts 23 and saved humanity through the death of Jesus in Luke 23, the Lord will save His people from the hands of their enemies. This week, by His grace and wisdom, He will frustrate and destroy the plot of the wicked against His people.

5. As King David prospered by the Word of the Lord and faithful relationships in Second Samuel 23, this week, God’s people will prosper by the word of the Lord and through supportive faithful mighty men and women.

6. As Josiah, driven by the Word of the Lord, carried out sweeping reforms in Judah in Second Kings 23, and as Jehoiada led a revolution that enthroned young Josiah and dethroned Athaliah in Second Chronicles 23, this week, the wind of the Lord will overthrow and scatter evil seeds in the land.

Happy 23rd week!

The 22nd Week of the Year (May 27 – June 2)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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2

Seasons don’t mean much until we see and understand them through the Bible. God’s word is key to understanding days, weeks, months, years and dates. From the beginning of the year (January 1), we have come to the 22nd week. Is there light from God’s Word for this week?There is and it is specific!

The 22nd week of the year is the week opening the fourth seven weeks of the year (Days 148 – 196). Give thanks to God that we are now in the fourth 7 weeks of the year. It’s His love and faithfulness that brought us this far and we can trust Him to lead us through the week before us.

Before I share thoughts and prayer points for the week, let us turn to the word for light. What can we learn from the Bible about this week?

BIBLE PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

There are six passages in the Bible that give us patterns for the 22nd week:

1. Week 22 is a first-day-of-creation season. It is the first week in the fourth seven weeks of the year and has guiding light in the first day of creation narrative +Genesis 1:1-5). God created light on the first day of creation. God is Light and there is no darkness in Him. Light came first because God is First. God is first and the first is God’s. Week 22 is God’s because it is the first week of the fourth seven weeks of the year. It is for honoring God. It is for seeking His pleasure. It is for hearing His Word. It is for doing His will and bidding. Week 22 is preparation season for the fourth 7 weeks. The 22nd week is for conquering darkness with light.

2. Week 22 is a Numbers 1-6 season. Numbers has 36 chapters. Let us give up five chapters for each week of the fourth seven weeks; except the first week that would have six chapters. The first section (six chapters) of the fourth book of the Bible is applicable to the first week of the fourth 7 weeks of the year. In the first four chapters, God focused attention on the leaders of His people. Firstly, God commanded Moses to conduct a census of Israel excluding the tribe of Levi. After numbering Israel, he numbered the heads of the tribes and the fighting men. Then, in the third chapter, He focused on the House of Aaron. The fourth chapter is about the duties of the three families of the tribe of Levi – Kohathites, Gershomites, and the Merarites. The fifth chapter is about isolating ceremonially unclean people. The sixth chapter is about the Nazirite. Week 22 is for marking out God’s vessels and agents for the 7-week season (fourth 49 days of the year). This is a season of census and selection in the spirit. It is also for isolating unworthy contaminated vessels. Week 22 is the season of people avowed to God. Week 22 is selection-day for blessing or cursing.

3. Week 22 is a Psalm 119:169-176 season. Psalm 119 has 22 divisions of 8 verses each. So Psalm 119 is applicable to the first 22 weeks of the year The 22nd section of this psalm is titled ‘tav’ after the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Week 22 is a ‘tav’ season. It is a prophetic endpoint in the year. ‘Tav’ connotes ‘truth’, ‘sign’, ‘life’ or ‘death’. This 22nd (tav) season points us to the end, to the truth, and to life or death. This is when the truth prevails over falsehood. This is when the sign is given for hope. This is when life swallows death. This is when wickedness ends in death. It is a week of fulfillment!

The 22nd section of Psalm 119 contains the 8 last prayers of the psalmist in this chapter. Psalm 119:169-176 says, “Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. [170] Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. [171] My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes. [172] My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. [173] Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. [174] I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight. [175] Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. [176] I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments”. 

This is a season you must handle with prayer. You can personalize the prayers of the psalmist in this section of Psalm 119.

4. Week 22 is a Psalm 148-150 season. The three Psalms following the 21st seven Psalms are applicable to the first three days in the 22nd Week of the year. Those three psalms belong to what should have been the 22nd seven psalms; but the section has only three psalms. The three psalms ending the book of psalms are psalms of praise to God. The end comes and meets us half-way in the 22nd season. In this season, ‘it ends before the end; and begins where it ends’. God is the End in the 22nd season; and He has no end. So, in the 22nd season, there is both an ending and a new beginning.

I pray that this week will be the beginning of a pleasant ‘new day’ in your journey through this year and season.

There are no prayers in the the 22nd section of Psalms (148-150). It is all about praising God – man commanding all things and beings to praise God. In the previous psalms, man speaks to himself and other men to praise God. In the 22nd section of psalms, the authoritative word ‘let’ is used. That is the same word God used in creation: “Let there be…Let us make”. Psalm 148 is a call to praise the Lord from the heaven (1-6) and from the earth (7-14). Psalm 149 calls Israel (the children of Zion) and the saints to praise the Lord and release judgments on the earth. Psalm 150 is a call to praise God in His sanctuary, with musical instruments, for His mighty acts and according to His excellent greatness. The last three Psalms invite us to open the 22nd week with praises to God.

5. Week 22 is a book of Song of Songs week. Song of Songs is the 22nd book of the Bible. The book is about a romantic relationship between two lovers – a bridegroom and his bride. This book reveals that the 22nd day is for romance between God (Christ) and the believer. The 22nd book of the Bible, Song of songs, is about love. This book is a love-book. The word ‘love’ is used 38 times in 34 verses of this 8-chapter, 117-verse book. Love for God must be foundation of the fourth 7 weeks; and that foundation is to be laid on the 22nd week. Make the 22nd week a week of demonstrating your love and commitment to God. The 22nd season is a season of love to the Lord. Love is tested in the 22nd season. Self gives way in the 22nd season. Abraham was tasted in the 22nd season. He gave up his only son to satisfy the Lord’s heart. The 22nd season is a time of praising God. Praising God is a demonstration of love for Him.

6. Week 22 is a 22nd-chapters-of-the-Bible week. The 22nd chapters reveal that the 22nd season is for demonstrating how much God and His Word mean to you. In Genesis 22, Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac, his son, as God demanded. In Luke 22, Jesus prayed to the Father and said, “…Not my will but yours be done”. In Acts 22, Paul began to stand trial for the gospel. He believed in Christ enough to suffer for Him. The 22nd chapter of Revelation ends with the love cry of the Spirit and the Bride: “Come, Lord Jesus”.

The 22nd chapters of the Bible also reveal that the 22nd season is an end; and a new beginning. Two books of the Bible end at the 22nd chapter (First Kings and Revelation). First Kings ends with the death of Ahab; the book of Revelation ends with John’s vision of the restoration of all things. The 22nd is the end! The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. The 22nd letter is the last. The 22nd set of psalms has the Last Word! The last word is “Praise the Lord!” The Lord is “the First and the Last; the Beginning and the End”; the first and the 22nd! He is the Triumphant Lord Who alone is to be praised.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 22ND WEEK:

Going through the 22nd week (Days 148-154) of the year is like taking a prophetic journey through the 22nd book of the Bible (Song of Solomon). So, Song of Solomon and the 22nd chapters of the Bible are a great guiding light for the week. There are twenty-two 22nd chapters in the Bible. If you read four of those chapters on the first day of the week and three chapters each of the remaining six days, that would be all. This is the season to test devotion to God.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

May 27: Psalm 148 & Song of Solomon 1-2 plus 22nd chapters of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers.

May 28: Psalm 149 & Song of Solomon 3 plus 22nd chapters of Deuteronomy, Joshua and First Samuel.

May 29: Psalm 150 & Song of Solomon 4 plus 22nd chapters of Second Samuel, First Kings and Second Kings.

May 30: Song of Solomon 5 plus 22nd chapters of First Chronicles, Second Chronicles and Job

May 31: Song of Solomon 6 plus 22nd chapters of Psalms, Proverbs and Isaiah.

June 1: Song of Solomon 7 plus 22nd chapters of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Matthew.

June 2: Song of Solomon 8 plus 22nd chapters of Luke, Acts and Revelation.

SUMMARY: This is a season to demonstrate love for God

VERSE FOR THE 22ND WEEK

Psalm 22:27-28: “All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You. [28] For the kingdom is the LORD’s, And He rules over the nations”.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK

The 22nd book and chapters of the Bible indicate the following 7 things concerning the 22nd week:

1. It is a week of praises to God. David sang praises to God in Second Samuel 22. The 22nd book of the Bible is about a bride and bridegroom praising each other. If you split the book of psalms into sections of seven chapters each, you will have 21 sections and a remainder of three chapters for the 22nd section. The last three psalms (148-150) are psalms of praises to God. They belong to the 22nd section of the book. The first three days of this week (Days 148, 149 and 150 should be dedicated to praising God to conform to Psalm 148-150.

Why should the 22nd week be a season of praises? It is the end of a prophetic cycle and the end of certain experiences. The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet is the 22nd. So, this week, we praise God by faith and with understanding that a prophetic cycle in the year is ending this week.

Something is ending this 22nd week. Abraham’s loyalty to God was confirmed in Genesis 22; and his tests ended. In Second Samuel 22, David sang to God for delivering him from ALL his enemies. After Jesus answered his critics in Matthew 22, no one dared ask him more questions. Jesus and His disciples ate the last supper in Luke 22. Acts 22 was the end of scourging and humiliation for Paul. Revelation 22 says “there shall be no more night. Another prophetic endpoint in the year that is related to ’22’ is the 44th week.

PRAYER/PRAISE: Praise Him for His word that will be fulfilled this week. Praise Him for negative circumstances coming to an end this week. Praise Him for the new beginning that will follow this week in the nation.

2. It is a week of war. Since, this is a week of prophetic endpoint, it is season when men go to war. The king of Moab sought the help of Balaam to be able to defeat Israel. Ahab went to war in First Kings 22. The Brazilian war of independence took place in 1822. Since this is a season of war, it is a time to seek alliances and company. It is a season when men need and seek company. Both Russia and Ukraine need allies in 2022. The Soviet Union was formed in 1922. The righteous are often alone in this season as men gather together against them. It is not easy to be alone in this season. That’s the reason the psalmist cried out in. Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ” In the 22nd book of the Bible, the bride and bridegroom had companions. Abraham was alone with Isaac on Mount Moriah. In First Samuel 22, David’s company of distressed people came to him. He also needed help from the king of Moab. Saul lamented that people were aligning with David against him. Ahab needed a company to go with him against Ramoth Gilead. In Second Chronicles 22, Ahaziah king of Judah allied with Jehoram king of Israel against Jehu. They all came to an end. Jehoshabeath rescued Joash from Athaliah. In Matthew 22, Jesus told a parable about a king who invited guests to a wedding party for his son. When those he invited did not come, he gathered guests from the streets. In Luke 22, a company rose against Jesus; and He needed His company to pray with. In Acts 22, Paul defended himself against a company.

PRAYER: Pray for wisdom and victory in the battles that rise this week. Ask the Lord for a supportive righteous company this week. Pray against evil companies that may surround God’s people this week. Pray that great companies will rise for the just in different lands this week.

3. It is a week of trials and tests. There is a test at every prophetic endpoint. Jesus faced trial in the 22nd chapters of Matthew and Luke. Paul faced trial in Acts 22. Psalm 22 (a Messianic Psalm) records the words of a man going through trials. Since it is a week of trials, it is a time to demonstrate loyalty to God and commitment to God and His word. Abraham gave Isaac to God in Genesis 22. It is a week of tests to prove our commitment to God. Balaam faced temptations in Numbers 22. Micaiah was tempted in First Kings 22. It is a week of tests of wisdom. In Matthew 22, Jesus answered tricky questions from religious leaders concerning tributes to Caesar, resurrection, the greatest commandment. He also asked them questions they could not answer.

PRAYER: Pray for those who are oppressed and persecuted and are facing trials for their faith this week. Pray for strength to make God-honouring decisions and choices this week. Pray that God’s people in the nations will stand for the Lord without wavering. Pray also for wisdom to answer the hard questions life may throw this week. Pray that those who seek the downfall of the godly and righteous will be put to shame.

4. It is a week of divine visitation for recompense and rewards. God judged Ahab and his house in the 22nd chapters of First Kings and Second Chronicles. God judged the ungodly sons of King Josiah in Jeremiah 22. He used Ezekiel to judge the ‘bloody city’ in Ezekiel 22. In Revelation 22, Jesus said, “I am coming quickly and my reward is in my hands. In Joshua 22, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh we’re released to their inheritance after they had obeyed the words of Moses.

PRAYER: Pray for visitations of the Lord this week to bless the faithful and hopeful; and to judge the wicked.

5. It is a week of recovering the missing thing. In Second Kings 22, the book of the law was found in the temple. King Josiah had the book of the law read to him and that was the beginning of his reformation. In Revelation 22, a pure river of the water of life flowed from the throne of God and caused the tree of life to spring forth. Isaac was appointed to die in Genesis 22 but God gave him back to Abraham. A ram was sacrificed instead. No doubt, Abraham’s joy overflowed. This week, what you thought was lost and gone will come back to you.

PRAYER: Pray that this will be a week of recovering the missing thing in families, churches, and in the nation. Pray that the Lord will move the efforts of His people to a least expected glorious new level.

6. It is a season of appointment with the great and mighty and this requires setting priorities right. Balaam had appointment with the King of Moab in Numbers 22. Micaiah was invited to meet the King in First Kings 22. The Shulamite was engaged to king Solomon in the 22nd book of the Bible. In Matthew 22, people were invited to be a king’s guest. Proverbs 22:29 says a man diligent in his works will appear before kings rather than before mean men.

PRAYER: Pray that this is a week of encounter with the king of kings. Pray also for those who are called to serve in high places. Pray that they remain faithful to God and that their influence will make a difference. Pray that you and others will not miss appointments with the King this week.

7. It is a season to pray and call upon God. A time of tests and war is a time to pray. Jesus told His disciples to pray in Luke 22 to escape temptation. Psalm 22 was a Messianic prayer to God from a Servant in pains. The 22nd section of Psalm 119 was heartfelt prayer to God: Psalm 119:169-170,173,175 says, “Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. [170] Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. [173] Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. [175] Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me”.

PRAYER: Pray that you will be strengthened to pray this week. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

1. Genesis 22, God tested Abraham’s loyalty to Him. O Lord, enable me this week, by your Spirit, to pass any test of loyalty to Jesus Christ. O Lord, keep me from faltering in my commitment to you. Keep me from failing any test of loyalty to you in this season. Let me be exactly what your heart desires.

2. O Lord, deliver me, this week, from temptations that come from the great and mighty as it happened to Balaam in Numbers 22, and to Micaiah in First Kings 22.

3. In Luke 22, Judas betrayed Jesus but later committed suicide, and Peter denied Jesus and wept bitterly afterwards. This week, deliver me from regrettable actions.

4. In First Kings 22, Micaiah stayed focused on the Lord despite the crowd of performing false prophets. O Lord, help me this week to stay focused on your Word despite what others are doing or may choose to do.

5. In Joshua 22, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh were released to return to their inheritance on the other side of Jordan. This week, let the blessings put on hold for me until obedience is complete be released to me.

6. O Lord, give me wisdom to handle my critics and persecutors, this week, as Jesus had in Matthew 22 and Luke 22; and as Paul had in Acts 22.

7. In Matthew 22, those who were invited to the wedding party missed out because of excuses. They were displaced. This week, let me not miss the call of the kingdom because of my personal concerns. Let me not be too busy for You in this season. May Heaven not put others in my place. O Lord, help me, this week, to know the difference between my thing and Your thing.

8. In Matthew 22, a man already admitted into a wedding party was cast out because he was negligent of the rules of the wedding party. O Lord, let me never be disqualified in this week from opportunities because of carelessness and negligence. Help me to stay properly positioned for doors opening for me.

9. In First Kings 22 and Second Chronicles 22, God judged Ahab and his house for the blood of Naboth. In Jeremiah 22, the prophet pronounced curses and judgment on the errant successors of king Josiah.

10. In Ezekiel 22, the prophet pronounced judgment on the bloody city. O Lord, judge wickedness in the nations this week. O Lord, utter the Voice of your power this week and bring an end to evil systems and evil men. Bring evil and dysfunctional cycles to an end.

11. In First Kings 22, Jehoshaphat joined and escorted Ahab to battle against Syria and almost lost his life. O Lord, deliver me this week from the company of evil men. Let me not be in the company of people appointed to death. Deliver me from counselors whose counsel only lead to destruction. Hide me from those who want to kill me as you hid Jotham from Athaliah in Second Chronicles 22. Destroy the evil plans of the Athaliahs of this week. O Lord, let your mercy preserve your people from the judgments and curses of the week.

12. In First Kings 22, Ahab went heedlessly to war and died in battle. O Lord, help me this week against forces, within me and without, that could push me to where my life will be wasted. This week, keep me from wars I should not fight in.

13. In Second Kings 22, King Josiah’s men found the book of the Law in the temple. The reading of that book sparked off revival and reformation. O Lord, lead us this week to discover the missing thing that will move us forward as a nation. O Lord, open the gates of this week for new things and new people in the different spheres of life and society. This week, lead me back to your Word with renewed zeal.

14. In Second Samuel 22, David sang to God for delivering him from all his troubles. Revelation 22:3 says, “And there shall be no more curse….” O Lord , let this 22nd week be a week of ‘no more trouble’.

15. In Revelation 22, the Lord spoke of the pure river of water of life flowing from God’s throne; and also about the tree of life. This week, O Lord, connect me to the move of life backed by your throne. Let nations drink from the water of life and eat from the tree of life this week.

16. The Word of the Lord came to Abraham in Genesis 22, to Balaam in Numbers 22, and to Micaiah in First Kings 22. O Lord, in this week of hearing and obeying your Voice, help me against inhibiting noise and distractions. Grant me the grace and wisdom for a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for your Voice. 


17. O Lord, block the enemies from reaching your people in this week as you blocked Balaam and Balak the king of Moab from cursing Israel in Numbers 22. O Lord, use those who seek the downfall of your people to bless them instead.

LEARN ABOUT EACH DAY OF THE WEEK AND PRAY INTO EACH DAY BEFORE IT ARRIVES

May 28:

May 29:

May 30:

May 31:

June 1:

June 2:

June 3:

Happy 22nd week of the year.

SIVAN: The Mystery of the Biblical Third Month

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

In the Hebrew calendar, the third month is the 30-day month of Sivan that corresponds to May/June. Nations, states, organizations, families, and individuals are to count their third months from the day of their birth. All third months have common characteristics. Biblical patterns for understanding the third month are the third day of creation narrative, the book and chapters of the Bible corresponding to the month, and Bible passages mentioning the third month.

A. The third month is a third day of creation season. On the third day of creation, the Creator commanded the water under heaven to be gathered together in one place. He then called the dry ground to appear (manifest and bring forth vegetation. The third month is the month of the Call from heaven. It is a month of overthrow, manifestation, establishment, and productivity.

B. The third month is a Book of Leviticus season. Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is applicable to the third month. The book of Leviticus is about peace with God through offerings, sacrifices, and feasts in holiness and sanctification. This book draws a clear line between the clean and unclean; the pure and the profane. The book is about consecrated people, places, things, and times. The third chapters of the Bible are also applicable to the third month. The consecrated high priest bore all Israel on his shoulders. Leadership is very critical in this season.  The third chapters of the Bible tell stories of change, manifestation, overthrow, and establishment. They also tell stories of the call of God and unshakable commitment to God. The third month is a turning point, game-changing, season.

C. The third month is a First Samuel 16 – First Chronicles 25 season. Going through the third month of the year is the same as taking a prophetic journey from the 9th week to the 12th week. It is like going from the ninth book of the Bible to the end of the 12th book of the Bible. It is like a journey from first Samuel to Second Kings. The emphasis in this month, therefore, is consecration to God. This is the month of the anointed ones. Eli was God’s priest. Samuel was God’s prophet and king maker. Saul, David, and Solomon were anointed kings of Israel. It is a season to take the matter of leadership seriously.

BIBLE PASSAGES WHERE ‘THIRD MONTH’ IS MENTIONED

1. It is the month of arrival. It is for arriving where God is waiting for you.

2. It is is for gathering the people

3. It is for gathering offerings

4. It is for reversing evil decrees.

5. It is for dethroning evil and proud powers.

1. THE THIRD MONTH IS THE MONTH OF ARRIVAL

Exodus 19:1-2: In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. [2] For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.

2. THE THIRD MONTH IS THE MONTH OF ATTRACTION AND THE GATHERING TOGETHER OF THE PEOPLE

2 Chronicles 15:9-10: Then he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who dwelt with them from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, for they came over to him in great numbers from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. [10] So they gathered together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.

3. THE THIRD MONTH IS THE MONTH OF GATHERING THE OFFERINGS

2 Chronicles 31:6-8: And the children of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cities of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and sheep; also the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the LORD their God they laid in heaps. [7] In the third month they began laying them in heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. [8] And when Hezekiah and the leaders came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD and His people Israel.

2 Chronicles 31:9-11: Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. [10] And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the LORD has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance.” [11] Now Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of the LORD, and they prepared them.

4. THE THIRD MONTH IS FOR REVERSING THE EVIL DECREE

Esther 8:8-12: You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.” [9] So the king’s scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven provinces in all, to every province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. [10] And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds. [11] By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives-to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions, [12] on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

5. THE THIRD MONTH IS FOR DETHRONING THE EVIL AND PROUD POWERS

Ezekiel 31:1-2, 18: Now it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, [2] “Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness? [18] ‘To which of the trees in Eden will you then be likened in glory and greatness? Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the depths of the earth; you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,’ says the Lord GOD.”

PRAYERS FOR THE THIRD MONTH

1. O Lord, deliver me from agents of death that manifest in the third season; as in Genesis 3, First Kings 3, Second Kings 3, Esther 3, and Daniel 3. This month will never cooperate with the spirit of death against me.

2. O Lord, let this third month be a positive game-changing season in the year for all your people.

3. O Lord, let the proud and arrogant oppressirs be brought down in this season.

4. O Lord, let this be a month of manifesting hidden purpose, people and places.

PRAYING INTO THE 76TH YEAR OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

By
Nkem Okemiri
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On April 25, 2023 (5 Iyar 5783), Israel celebrated the 75th anniversary of her rebirth and statehood. The founding of the State of Israel is worth celebrating. Israel is a wonder on earth. “He who keeps Israel does not sleep or slumber”. Her Maker is strong. I am glad to belong to the God of Israel.

Every new year is a new season and comes with its own things. An anniversary celebration is the end of one season and the beginning of another. Israel has ended her 75th year and has moved into her 76th year. Any year celebrated gives way to another year and becomes history. When a child celebrates first birthday, it means the child has completed one year and is stepping into the second year of life.  Israel’s 75th year ended the day before the 75th anniversary and opened the door to the 76th year. As we give thanks for the 75 years that is now history, we must begin to pray into the 76th year that is now running.

How can we pray for Israel in this new season?

1. WE NEED SPIRIT-FILLED REPORTERS FROM THE FIELD.

There are people in Israel who are seeing, daily, what needs to be prayed about and are sharing them. They are analyzing situations with discernment. We must pay attention to what they are saying because they are in the battle field. They are reporting from the field.

2. WE NEED REVELATION FROM THE LORD

There are also people whom the Lord had given revelations about Israel and they are sharing what they received from the Lord. It is also important that we honor the Spirit of revelation and truth speaking through them.

3. WE NEED INPUT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.

There is nothing new. Every season of man had been captured in the word of God. That is the reason the Bible never expires. What I want to do is to share what I perceive the Lord is saying through the Biblical patterns for the season. It is important to consider the Biblical patterns for the 76th year – to see if the Lord is pointing to anything that can also guide us to pray.

BIBLE PATTERNS FOR THE 76TH YEAR

Biblical patterns for seasons reveal what the season ought to be, what it could become and how to get the best out of the season.

There are five patterns in the Bible for understanding the 76th year:

#1. THE SIXTHs OF THE BIBLE.

The 76th year of the State of Israel is the sixth year in the 11th seven years (71-77) of Israel’s rebirth. As a sixth season year, the 76th year has its basic patterns in the sixth day of creation narrative, the sixth book of the Bible and the sixth chapters of the Bible. God made man and land animals on the sixth day. He made man in His image and likeness and gave man dominion over the other living creatures.. So, the animals were not in His image. As in the 6th book and chapters of the Bible, the 76th year is a season of conflict between godly and the ungodly. In this conflict, the Lord gives victory and dominion to those who bear His image and express His mind. Israel overthrew the Canaanites in the sixth book of the Bible. Elisha subdued Syrian troops in Second Kings 6. Paul tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God” and be ready to battle evil spiritual forces in Ephesians 6. Israel’s 76th year is a season of intense spiritual warfare and the Lord is calling those who bear His image to rise and take their places.

#2. First Kings 17-19.

The 11th book of the Bible is the pattern for the 11th seven years of Israel (2018 – 2025) and the sixth section of the book (chapters 17-19 is applicable to the sixth year of her 11th seven years. So, this 76th year is a First Kings 17-19 season. The three chapters in this sixth division are the Elijah chapters in the 11th book of the Bible.

. There are three things to learn from the passages:
1. Divine resistance against rebellion and permissiveness. A spirit of rebellion and permissiveness had taken over the Northern kingdom of Israel by the time Ahab and Jezebel became king and queen before Elijah came on the scene to arrest spiritual disorder. The 76th year of the State of Israel is an Elijah (or Spirit of Elijah) season in Israel. The 76th year of the State of Israel is a season of collision between the spirit of Elijah and the Ahab-Jezebel spirit. In the days of Elijah, although Ahab sat on the throne, Elijah was in charge. He determined when rain will cease and when it would fall. The Lord is calling for a prophetic takeover of nations. God’s people in the nations have looked too much to the politicians for change. We have always thought that change of government will change everything but governments are always changing and dragging people back and forth. There is no perfect government until the Lord returns and takes over

2. The revelation of the True God. Elijah revealed the True God. He first brought judgment by seizing rain for 42 months. He showed that God is a Provider and Restorer of life. He shamed the Baal and it’s worshippers when he prayed to the God of Israel, on Mount Carmel, to manifest Himself by sending fire from heaven. He also received a mandate to raise a new generation – in Jehu, Hazel and Elisha after Jezebel threatened to kill him. The Lord is calling and challenging us to get off controversies and arguments and make His presence real on earth. When people see the true God, many will give up idols. They will the alternatives that idols represent. When the people see the reality of the power of Yeshua, they will say, “Yeshua is Lord”.

3. The challenge of being a lone reformer. Elijah was a great prophet but he was also a lone ranger. God does not want us to run alone like Elijah but to run together with companies of present and next generation leaders. It doesn’t matter how ugly things may seem, we must set our eyes on raising the next prophetic generation for the tasks ahead. The journey is far and we cannot afford to be discouraged by the look of things. We must be ready to see God in unfamiliar ways. The Elijah movement must give birth to Elisha, Jehu and Hazael.

#3. Psalm 76: Going through the 76th year of the State of Israel is like taking a prophetic journey through Psalm 76. The 76th Psalm is a prophetic representation of the 76th year.  Psalm 76:1-12 says, “In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel. [2] In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion. [3] There He broke the arrows of the bow, The shield and sword of battle. Selah [4] You are more glorious and excellent Than the mountains of prey. [5] The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands. [6] At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep. [7] You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry? [8] You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, [9] When God arose to judgment, To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah [10] Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. [11] Make vows to the LORD your God, and pay them; Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. [12] He shall cut off the spirit of princes; He is awesome to the kings of the earth”.

Let the Lord be magnified  in Israel in her 76th year!

#4. The 27th Book and 27th Chapters of the Bible: The 76th year of Israel is the 27th year in her second 49 years (1997 – 2046) of statehood. The 27th book of Daniel is applicable. Israel is going through her second prophetic week of weeks (49 years) as a reborn nation. This 76th year, for Israel, would be like taking a prophetic journey through the book of Daniel – the 27th book of the Bible. This is a season to magnify God by standing out for Him. As the Lord is stirring the spirit of Elijah in the land, He is also raising a Daniel company from humble places. They are foreigners compelled to be in a land they did not choose. They are blessed with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The enemy will want to swallow them up and shut their voices (as he sought to do to Daniel and his friends in Babylon) but the Lord will stand by them. This will be a season of unveiling for recognition. Those who trust God with their lives are about to be recognized and honored by men.

#5. Abraham’s Departure from Ur: Abraham was 75 (in his 76th year) when he began the historic journey to the Land of Promise. He took off as a man in the image and likeness of God on a mission to subdue and have dominion. When Elijah rose to speak in Israel, it was like an Abraham journey to subdue and have dominion. When Daniel arrived Babylon, it  was like Abraham arriving the land he would subdue and have dominion. As Israel turned 75, Abraham’s story sounds a loud alarm: “It is time to go from where you want to be to where the Lord wants you to be”. It is time to shift!

THE 11TH SEVEN YEARS OF ISRAEL

Israel has been going through her 11th seven years since 2018 and have also been having 11th season challenges. Israel struggled with leadership in the 11th book of the Bible. Unity was difficult to achieve. The kingdom divided into two in the 11th book of the Bible. The 11th book and chapters of the Bible indicate that division often strikes in the 11th season. The Babel Confusion is recorded in Genesis 11. The Great Schism (East – West Schism) happened in the 11th century (1054). The 11th seven years of a nation is a time to fight for unity. This 11th seven -years of Israel will end in 2025 when Israel celebrates 77.

From the 19th chapter, God began to demand commitment from His people. In the 20th chapter, God gave the Ten Commandments. In the 21st chapter, there are commandments about servants, violence, and animal control. The 22nd to the 24th chapters are still laws covering different subjects. Exodus 19-24 are about recognizing and respecting the rights of God and the rights of men. The 11th seven years is for recognizing the rights of God and the rights of men. Men are tempted, in this season, to disregard the rights of others and overstep boundaries.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

The five Biblical patterns for Israel’s 76th year are pointing in the same direction:

1. This is a season of conflict and dominion for the saints. It is a season of battle to establish the will of God in the land.

Pray that the Lord’s people will triumph (as in the sixth book and chapters of the Bible) and that the Lord will possess His possession in Israel this season. 

2. This is a season of unveiling hidden vessels and things.

Pray for peaceful unveiling of agents of God called and raised for this season in Israel.

3. It is a season when the Lord makes Himself known through the battles He fights and wins.

Declare Psalm 76 over Israel and pray that the name of the Lord will be magnified in Israel this season.

#4. It is a season to take a clear stand for God as Elijah and Daniel did in their days.

Decree that the season of standing between two opinions is over in Israel. Pray that Israel will be led to take a clear stand for God in this season. Pray that the God Who answers by fire will show up again in Israel.

5. It is time to shift forward as Abraham did at 75.

Pray that Israel and all God’s people will hear and heed this call to move to a higher ground.

Happy 76th year, Israel!

Iyar: The Biblical Second Month of the Year

By
Nkem Okemiri
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The second month in the Hebrew calendar is the 29-day month of Iyar which corresponds to April/May in the Gregorian calendar. Nations, states, organizations, families, and individuals are to count their second months from the day of their birth. All second months have common characteristics. Biblical patterns for understanding the second month are the second day of creation narrative, the book and chapters of the Bible and Bible passages mentioning the second month.

A. The second month is a second day of creation season. On the second of creation, the Creator made the firmament to divide and thwart the monopoly of the dominating waters. God created space on the second day. The dividing of the waters and the creation of space made rain possible. The second month is the time to begin to battle opposition, resistance, and barriers to life and progress. 

B. The second month is a Book of Exodus season. Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is applicable to the second month. In the book of Exodus, Egypt oppressed the Israelite with cruel bondage. God raised a monopoly-breaker to battle oppression and deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. The second month is the time break through barriers and move forward by the presence and power of God. The second chapters of the Bible are also applicable to the second month. The second chapters of the Bible tell stories of breakthrough and finding a way where there is no way. The second month is a time to believe God for breakthroughs and miracles.

C. The second month is a Deuteronomy 16 – First Samuel 15 season. Going through the second month of the year is the same as gong from the fourth day of the fifth week to the third day of the ninth week. It is like going from Deuteronomy 16 to to First Samuel 15. It is like a journey from second half of the fifth book of the Bible to the first half the ninth book of the Bible. The emphasis in this month, therefore, is on obedience. In the fifth book (Deuteronomy), obedience brings blessings. In the sixth book (Joshua), obedience brings success and prosperity. In the seventh book (Judges), obedience brings safety, peace, and rest. In the eighth book (Ruth), obedience brings favor. In the ninth book (First Samuel) obedience brings promotion and honor. This month is loaded with blessings through obedience. Activate the blessings by clicking the obedience-button daily. Never touch the disobedience-button. It is the gate way to curses.

D. Bible passages mentioning ‘the second month’. The ‘second month’ is mentioned 15 times in the Bible; and those passages reveal five things about the second month:

1. It is for outpouring from heaven

2. It is time to number the men of war. Time to prepare for war.

3. It is for second chance

4. It is for moving forward.

5. It is for commencing building.

1. THE SECOND MONTH IS FOR THE OUTPOURING AND DRAINING

Genesis 7:11: In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Genesis 8:14: And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried.

GOD RAINED BREAD FROM HEAVEN IN THE SECOND MONTH

Exodus 16:1-4: And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. [2] Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. [3] And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” [4] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.

2. THE SECOND MONTH IS FOR NUMBERING MEN FOR WARFARE

Numbers 1:1-3: Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: [2] “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, [3] from twenty years old and above-all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

3. THE SECOND MONTH IS FOR SECOND CHANCE

What you could not do in the first month can be done in the second month. 

Numbers 9:9-11: Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [10] “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If anyone of you or your posterity is unclean because of a corpse, or is far away on a journey, he may still keep the LORD’s Passover. [11] On the fourteenth day of the second month, at twilight, they may keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

2 Chronicles 30:2-3: For the king and his leaders and all the assembly in Jerusalem had agreed to keep the Passover in the second month. [3] For they could not keep it at the regular time, because a sufficient number of priests had not consecrated themselves, nor had the people gathered together at Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 30:13-20: Now many people, a very great assembly, gathered at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month. [14] They arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and they took away all the incense altars and cast them into the Brook Kidron. [15] Then they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought the burnt offerings to the house of the LORD. [16] They stood in their place according to their custom, according to the Law of Moses the man of God; the priests sprinkled the blood received from the hand of the Levites. [17] For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves; therefore the Levites had charge of the slaughter of the Passover lambs for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to the LORD. [18] For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD provide atonement for everyone [19] who prepares his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” [20] And the LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.

4. THE SECOND MONTH IS FOR MOVING FORWARD

Numbers 10:11-13: Now it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle of the Testimony. [12] And the children of Israel set out from the Wilderness of Sinai on their journeys; then the cloud settled down in the Wilderness of Paran. [13] So they started out for the first time according to the command of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

5. THE SECOND MONTH IS THE TIME TO COMMENCE BUILDING. 

The second month is action time.

1 Kings 6:1: And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 3:1-2: Now Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. [2] And he began to build on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign.

Ezra 3:8: Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all those who had come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, began work and appointed the Levites from twenty years old and above to oversee the work of the house of the LORD.

PRAYER POINTS

1. O Lord, as you released Manna from heaven for Israel in the second month, let this second month be a season of visitation and release from heaven.

2. O Lord, dismantle every opposition, resistance, and barriers against my life. Make a way for me where there is no way. Let this month be a season of moving forward and making progress in my life, family, and nation.

3. O Lord, send me relationship-help for the tasks of this month. 

4. O Lord, build up my life in this month of building and repairing your house. Enable me to be a fitting habitation for you in this month.

5. O Lord, deliver me from enemies and forces that are too strong for me. Do not allow the proud and arrogant to prevail against me. 

6. O Lord, as the flood of Noah’s day began in the second month and dried up in the second month, let the waters that have risen up against me in this second month dry up. 

7. O Lord, in this month of second chance, help me to catch up and recover from any losses in the previous season..

PRAYING INTO THE 15TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (APRIL 8-14)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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The 15th week is the beginning of a game-changing season in the year – the third seven weeks of the year (April 9 – May 27). The third’ is a turning point in the Bible – whether it is third day, third year, third chapter, third book, third seven chapters, third seven books, or third king. The things that pertain to ‘the third’ also apply to the third 7 weeks, third 7 years, third 49 years or third century. The third seven weeks of the year is critical in any year – whether you are dealing with the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707, the death of Mussolini and Hitler in 1945, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the rebirth of Germany in 1949, or the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Going through the third 7 weeks of the year is like taking a swift prophetic journey through the third seven books of the Bible (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes). Going through the third seven weeks of the year (weeks 15-21) is like going through Genesis 15-21, Revelation 15-21 and other third 7 chapters of the Bible. Going through the third seven weeks of the year is like going through 1515 – 1521 in the 16th century, 1615 – 1621 in the 17th century, 1715 – 1721 in the 18th century, 1815-1821 in the 19th century, like 1915-1921 in the 20th century and 2015 – 2021 in the 21st century. Going through the third seven weeks of the year is like going through the third seven centuries of the church (15th – 21st century) in a year. The third seven weeks of the year is for resetting platforms and changing the course of things in the year. It is a season of spiritual emphasis. It is a season of prayer, fasting, meditation, worship, kingdom service and spiritual warfare. So, the 15th week is a strategic gate of time.

How should we pray into this week? Here are seven basic things that can guide us to pray into the 15th week:

1. The 15th week is a Book of Ezra week. Ezra is the 15th book of the Bible. The 15th season is a time to restore, return and rebuild. In the 15th book of the Bible, Cyrus, king of Persia, in response to the Word of God, issued a written proclamation releasing the Jews to go and rebuild the temple of God at Jerusalem that the Babylonians had destroyed. He restored the articles the Babylonians took from the temple of God and put in the temples of their gods. This is a week to heed the Cyrus-call – to return and rebuild. It is a week to remember Jerusalem. This week, the Lord is calling us to rebuild the house of prayer – the temple of the Holy Spirit – in our lives and in the nations. In the 15th book of the Bible, Ezra went to Jerusalem, as a scribe, to teach the people the law. As preparation for the rest of the third 7 weeks, the 15th week is for giving attention to reading, doing and teaching the Word of God.

PRAYER: Pray for grace to give due attention to fixing the House of God in your life. Pray to fix your life for Him. Pray that God’s people will give proper attention to reading, hearing, doing and teaching God’s word. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Israel).

2. The 15th week is for the release and fulfillment of the Word of God. It is a season when God stirs the heart of His people to do what He said He would do. In First Samuel 15, God sent Saul to go and perform the word He spoke concerning Amalek in Exodus 17. In the 15th book of the Bible, the proclamation of Cyrus was made to fulfill Gods word through Jeremiah. The emergence of Cyrus was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 44 and 45. In Acts 15, the apostles made reference to the prophecy of Amos about rebuilding the Tabernacle of David that had fallen. Revelation 15 speaks of God’s judgment that had been manifested. This week, the Lord will draw our hearts to aspects of His word that are calling for fulfillment. The word of the Lord is precious in the 15th season. The Word of the Lord came to Abraham in Genesis 15, to Asa in Second Chronicles 15, to Cyrus in the 15th book of the Bible and to John the Baptist in the 15th year of Caesar Tiberius. The Word that came to John the Baptist was a fulfillment of Isaiah 40. The 15th season is a season of the Word. It is not a surprise that the Word of God was first printed in the 15th century (the Gutenberg Bible).

PRAYER: Pray for sensitivity and grace to receive and run with the word of God this 15th week. Pray that prophecies will be fulfilled in nations around the world as we move with the word. Pray against temptations to disregard the word of God or to give partial obedience to the Word this week.

3. The 15th week is for the restoration and recovery of what was lost. In Luke 15, Jesus spoke 3 parables of restoration and recovery – the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. The enemy pushes for losses in this season. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated this week in 1865 (April 15). On that day, the plan of the wicked was to kill the President, Vice President and Secretary of State n their different locations. The Vice President and Secretary of State escaped the enemy’s plan. This week in 2014 (April 14), 276 Chidok high school girls were abducted by Boko Haram in North-east Nigeria. The 15th season is also a season of rebuilding and restoring ruined places. The 15th book of the Bible (Ezra) is about recovery and restoration. The 15th chapter of First Corinthians is about the resurrection of the dead. This is a week of action against death or the loss of lives. The spirit of death is very active in this season but the spirit of life is much more active. So, we must align with the spirit of life, revival and recovery.

PRAYER: Pray against losses (of people, possessions and position) this week. Pray against abduction of innocent people. Pray for revival in nations around the world. Proclaim revival and resurrection over the week. Pray, especially, against the loss of lives in the nations this week.

4. The 15th week is for singing to God. In Exodus 15, Moses and Miriam sang to the Lord after Israel crossed the Red Sea. There was singing and dancing in First Chronicles 15  when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem. The 15th book of the Bible gives attention singers. There was singing in Revelation 15. They sang the song of Moses and of the Lamb.  In Luke 15, the outcome of finding what was lost was celebration. The 15th seven psalms (99-105) are psalms of prayers, testimonies, thanksgiving, songs and praises to God.

PRAYER: Declare Psalm 101 and sing a new song to the Lord. Pray the 15th week will be a week of singing, dancing, jubilation and celebration.

5. The 15th week is for contending against opposition and resistance to God’s move in the season. The enemy will do everything possible to stop or frustrate the work of God in your hands. Sanballat and Tobiah rose against the Jews rebuilding the temple in the 15th book of the Bible. The work stopped, was restarted and then completed. Don’t let the devil stop you this week! In Acts 15, the council at Jerusalem dealt with the opposition against admission of gentile believers into the church. Jesus was crucified in Mark 15. It was this spirit of opposition and resistance working in the 15th season that reacted against the existence of Abraham Lincoln and had him killed on April 15, 1865. The 15th seven years of the United States (from 1776) ended with the assassination of the 20th President, James A. Garfield on July 2, 1881 two days to Independence Day.

PRAYER: Pray against resistance and opposition to the fulfillment of God’s word in your life, family and nation. Take a stand in the spirit against Sanballat and Tobiah and their allies.

6. The 15th week marks a new beginning we must enter by faith. This week is a terminus for the status quo. Babylonian captivity of the Jews ended in the 15th book of the Bible; and the Return began. The Promise of the child born in Genesis 21 began in Genesis 15. In Exodus 15, Israel was on the other side of the Red Sea where Egyptians were no longer a threat. In First Samuel 15, God finally rejected Saul and the search for a new king began. King Asa carried out sweeping reforms in Judah in Second Chronicles 15. That was a new beginning for God’s people in Judah. In Acts 15, Gentiles were formally admitted into the church. It was a new beginning for Gentile believers. Paul and Barnabas parted ways in this chapter too (Acts 15: 36-41).  

PRAYER: Pray and decree a positive new beginning in the year. Proclaim by faith that this week marks a new beginning in the year for God’s people in the nations.

7. The 15th week of the year is a Psalm 99-105 week: The 15th week of the year consists of Days 99-105 and going through it is like taking a prophetic journey through Psalms 99-105 (the 15th seven psalms). (The psalms call us to magnify God and call us to exalt God, thank Him, bless Him, praise Him and sing to Him. The 15th week is a time to reflect on the person of God and His work among His people and in the nations.

PRAYER: Bless the Lord, worship Him and speak of His marvelous works on the earth. Pray that praise will rise to God in the nations.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 15TH WEEK:

Psalms 99-105 and Ezra 1-10 are great guiding lights for the week. You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

April 8: Psalm 99 & Ezra 1-2
April 9:  Psalm 100 & Ezra 3-4
April 10: Psalm 101 & Ezra 5-6
April 11: Psalm 102 & Ezra 7
April 12: Psalm 103 & Ezra 8
April 13: Psalm 104 & Ezra 9
April 14: Psalm 105 & Ezra 10

SUMMARY: This is a week of heart-felt worship, singing, celebration, turnarounds, triumphs, fulfillment of prophecies and recovery of what was lost.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

Exodus 15:26: “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Happy 15th week of the year!

Praying Into March 30: The Mystery of Day 89

By
Nkem Okemiri
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Welcome to Day 89! The 89th day is the fifth day of the thirteenth week. It is a fifth-season day. It is Day 40 of the second 49 days. Day 89 is March 30 in a clear year and March 29 in a leap year. This is the beginning of the ‘new testament’ of the second 49 days of the year. The story of the fifth day of creation, the 89th psalm, and the fifth four chapters of First Chronicles, are the key Bible patterns for understanding Day 89.

Day 89 is a fifth day of creation day in the 13th week.God made sea creatures and birds of the air on the fifth day. The fifth day of creation was a day of generosity to the waters. God gave fish to the waters. He did not tell the waters to bring forth the water creatures; as He did to the earth concerning vegetation on the third day of creation. The fifth season is a time of favor and liberty. When the birds spread their wings to fly, and the fish spread their fins to swim, they remind us of the righteousness and justice of God. In the fifth season, the obedient enjoy blessings while the disobedient experience curses. God’s word is Preeminent in the fifth season. How you end up depends on your attitude to the word of God. Day 89 is a God day and a Word of God day. All eyes and attention are to be on Him and His Word in a fifth season. 

Day 89 is a First Chronicles 18-21 day in the 13th week. The fifth section of the 13th book of the Bible is applicable to fifth day of the 13th week. The eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth chapters are a record of David’s military exploits – against the nations (Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Ammonites). In the 21st chapter, Satan moved David to number Israel and brought a plague of death on the land. By the word of the Lord, he bought over the threshing floor of Ornan, built an altar there, sacrificed to the Lord, and the plague ended. Day 89 is a day of triumph through dependence on the faithfulness of God. This is a day of battles and triumph. It is a day to recover lost ground.

LESSONS FROM 1 CHRONICLES 18-21

1. The altar on the threshing floor of Ornan represents the ascendancy of the spiritual over the fleshly. A threshing floor is for the service of the flesh. An altar is for the ministry and service of spirit to Spirit. This is a day to exalt the spirit above the flesh.

2. The altar on the threshing floor represents the redemption and recovery of a holy ground. That was Moriah – where Isaac was to be slain for God. This is a day to recover lost spiritual grounds.

3. The altar on the threshing floor represents foundation for the future. The temple was built on Moriah. Christ was crucified at Calvary on Mount Moriah. This is a day to lay spiritual foundation for the far and near future

4. The best happens when God turns your weakness into strength. In First Chronicles 18-20, David and his men fought and won battles. In First Chronicles 21, David was in defeat and weakness; but that was how God secured the ground (Calvary) where the Son of David fought and won the greatest of battles. The Lord will overtake the enemy today.

Day 89 is the beginning of the New Testament side of the 13th week. Going through any seven-day week is like journeying through the Bible. Every week has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four days is the Old Testament side; while the remaining three days is the New Testament side. The fifth day of the week is the beginning of e New Testament side of the week; and has its guiding light in the first 9 books of the New Testament (Matthew – Galatians). Day 89 is for battling and defeating the enemy. It is a day of salvation, freedom, and fulfillment of prophecies.

Day 89 is a Book of Matthew day in the second 49 days of the year. Day 89 is the 40th day in the second 49 days of the year; and corresponds to Matthew, the 40th book of the Bible. The Bible reveals that the fortieth is a turning-point. The New Testament opens with the 40th book of the Bible. It marks the end of a phase. The 40th chapters of the Bible are also applicable to this 40th day in the second 49 days. Joseph became a problem-solver in the prison in Genesis 40. In Exodus 40, the tabernacle was dedicated and the glory of God filled it. Job began to repent in Job 40. Psalm 40 is a testimony of answers to prayer. Isaiah 40 is a message of comfort. Jeremiah 40 follows the fall of Jerusalem in the 39th chapter. Jeremiah is vindicated and rewarded here. Ezekiel 40 is the beginning of the prophet’s vision of the new city and temple. In the 40th book of the Bible, the Bible records the fulfillment of prophesies of the OT concerning the Messiah.

Day 89 is a Psalm 89 day. The 52-verse Psalm 89 is a psalm of the grace, mercy, and faithfulness, of God. It’s all about God. 

 Psalm 89:1-4 says, “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. [2] For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.” [3] “I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: [4] ‘Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.’” Selah”

The psalmist speaks of the greatness and excellency of God. Grace magnifies God.

Psalm 89:5-18 says, “And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. [6] For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? [7] God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. [8] O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. [9] You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. [10] You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. [11] The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them. [12] The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name. [13] You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand. [14] Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. [15] Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. [16] In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. [17] For You are the glory of their strength, And in Your favor our horn is exalted. [18] For our shield belongs to the LORD, And our king to the Holy One of Israel”.

The psalmist speaks of the election of David and of God’s extravagant grace to him.

Psalm 89:19-37 says, “Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one, And said: “I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. [20] I have found My servant David; With My holy oil I have anointed him, [21] With whom My hand shall be established; Also My arm shall strengthen him. [22] The enemy shall not outwit him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. [23] I will beat down his foes before his face, And plague those who hate him. [24] “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted. [25] Also I will set his hand over the sea, And his right hand over the rivers. [26] He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.’ [27] Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth. [28] My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him. [29] His seed also I will make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven. [30] “If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, [31] If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments, [32] Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes. [33] Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail. [34] My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. [35] Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: [36] His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me; [37] It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah”

The psalmist complains to God about deserting His heritage. He actually seems to put the responsibility for their condition on God. He has a thirteen-point charge against God. He could not synchronize God’s promises to David and what His people were experiencing.

Psalm 89:38-45 says, “But You have cast off and abhorred, You have been furious with Your anointed. [39] You have renounced the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground. [40] You have broken down all his hedges; You have brought his strongholds to ruin. [41] All who pass by the way plunder him; He is a reproach to his neighbors. [42] You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies rejoice. [43] You have also turned back the edge of his sword, And have not sustained him in the battle. [44] You have made his glory cease, And cast his throne down to the ground. [45] The days of his youth You have shortened; You have covered him with shame. Selah”.

Psalm 89:46-52 further says, “How long, LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire? [47] Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men? [48] What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah [49] Lord, where are Your former lovingkindnesses, Which You swore to David in Your truth? [50] Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants- How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples, [51] With which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD, With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.”

He ends with an acknowledgement of the worthiness of God.“Blessed be the LORD forevermore! Amen and Amen”. There is no blame in God. Even God’s chastisement of His children is an expression of grace. 

Day 89 is a Matthew – Galatians day in the 13th week. It is a day of the compassionate intervention of God. Every week is like a journey through the Bible having an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four days of the week belong to the Old Testament side and expresses the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three days of the week constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The fifth day of the week is the beginning of the New Testament side of the week; and expresses the first nine books of the New Testament. The first 9 books of the NT are about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. The books are about the love and grace of God granting salvation and justification to humanity by faith. This is a day to enter experientially into the New Testament side of the week. It is a day of answers to prayers, fulfillment of prophecies, and delivery of promises. The New Testament side is the spiritual and deeper side. The New Testament side is the side of manifestation. The old has passed away; and the new has begun. Dreams for the week are expected to come to pass and promises should be fulfilled. Expect deliverance and divine intervention

.DECREE AND DECLARE: At creation, God spoke His will into each day. He made us in His image and likeness; and expects us to release His will into each day. Decree this day that the flesh will not overtake the spirit in your life, family, organisation and nation. Decree a change in the week and declare that today is the beginning of the New Testament side of the week. As a Book-of-Matthew day, decree that Emmanuel (God is with us) takes over. As a New Testament type day, decree that the love of God will overtake human error and failure. Today, submit to the spirit against the flesh. Walk in the spirit and make no room for the flesh. The fifth season is a season of giving spiritual interpretations to earthly manifestations. Today, make it your watchword to walk in the spirit and obey God’s Word. Walking in the spirit is the key to gaining all. Birds (representing the spirit) fly above and eat from the land, the sea, and the air. Today, cry out to God against oppression and for the pains in your life. Speak out also. Trust Him to intervene in your affairs and in the affairs of people around you. Determine to make a next-level move. It’s time to shift base in the spirit! Today, put yourself on the side of blessing by choosing obedience instead of curses by choosing disobedience.

Today, hold on to God’s word and bring God’s word before Him. Day 89 is a day to draw God’s attention to His Word and the situation in your life. It is a day to see the fulfillment of God’s word. Happy 89th day.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

http://timeline.ws/days/03_30.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_30

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ABOUT ME

Nkem Okemiri is a herald of patterns, principles, and seasons, for the restoration of eternal purposes on earth. He has a mandate to bring understanding of times and seasons to the nations using a biblical model. He proclaims that NOW is the time to actualize dreams and expectations leading to the manifestation of The kingdom on earth

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